Jerry Young: The Father of Modern Ultra-Lightweight Backpacks

Ultra-light

by Jerry D Young

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	38 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In the annals of backpacking history, Jerry Young stands as a towering figure, the visionary who revolutionized the way hikers carry their gear. His pioneering designs for ultralight backpacks have shaped the way hikers approach the backcountry for decades, making it possible to travel farther, faster, and with greater comfort.

A Visionary in the Wilderness

Young's passion for the outdoors began at an early age, when he spent summers exploring the mountains of California's Sierra Nevada with his family. As he grew older, he became increasingly frustrated with the heavy, cumbersome backpacks that were the standard gear for hikers at the time. He dreamed of a backpack that would be lighter, more comfortable, and more efficient, allowing hikers to travel farther into the wilderness with less weight on their backs.

In 1976, Young quit his job as a ski instructor and poured his savings into a small company called Golite. With a workshop in his garage, he began experimenting with new materials and designs, determined to create the ultralight backpack he had envisioned.

The Birth of Ultralight Backpacking

Young's first major innovation was the use of ripstop nylon, a lightweight but durable material that was originally used for parachutes. Ripstop nylon was significantly lighter than the canvas or leather that was traditionally used in backpacks, and it also had a higher tear-strength. This allowed Young to create backpacks that were both lighter and more durable than anything else on the market.

Young also paid meticulous attention to the design of his backpacks. He streamlined every aspect of their construction, reducing unnecessary weight and eliminating bulky features. He used simple, adjustable straps and closures, and he carefully placed pockets and compartments to distribute weight evenly and improve comfort.

The result was a backpack that was astonishingly lightweight and comfortable. Hikers who used Young's backpacks could carry more gear with less effort, and they could travel farther and faster without getting fatigued.

A Legacy of Innovation

Over the years, Young continued to refine his designs, introducing new materials and technologies to reduce weight and improve functionality. He also expanded his line of products to include shelters, sleeping bags, and other essential gear for ultralight backpacking.

Young's innovations have had a profound impact on the world of backpacking. His designs have inspired countless other pack makers, and his principles of ultralight backpacking have been adopted by hikers around the world. Today, ultralight backpacking is a recognized and respected approach to hiking, embracing the idea that less weight equals more freedom and enjoyment on the trail.

The Master Backpacker

Jerry Young's legacy extends beyond his groundbreaking backpack designs. He was also a master backpacker, one of the most accomplished hikers of his time. He completed numerous long-distance hikes, including a 5,000-mile thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail in 1985. He also led backpacking expeditions to remote wilderness areas in the United States and around the world.

Young's passion for backpacking and his commitment to lightweight gear was evident in everything he did. He believed that backpacking should be about experiencing nature, not struggling under a heavy pack. His designs and his philosophy have inspired countless hikers to embrace the joy and freedom of ultralight backpacking.

Jerry Young, the father of modern ultra-lightweight backpacks, passed away in 2017 at the age of 81. His legacy lives on in the countless hikers who continue to carry his packs and in the principles of ultralight backpacking that he pioneered. His groundbreaking designs have made it possible for hikers to travel farther, faster, and with greater comfort, and his passion for the outdoors has inspired generations of backpackers.

Ultra-light

by Jerry D Young

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	38 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE